Vatican Hosts Global Conference on Exorcism as Possession Cases Surge Worldwide
Rome, Italy
Amid growing reports of alleged demonic possession and spiritual disturbance, the Vatican’s Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum opened its doors once again for the 19th Annual Course on Exorcism and Prayer of Liberation, held from 13–18 May 2025 in Rome.
The event, officially endorsed by the Dicastery for the Clergy, drew more than 250 delegates from around the world — including priests, lay theologians, psychologists, and even medical doctors — signalling a renewed institutional focus on the ancient rite of exorcism.
A Response to Rising Cases
Organisers cited a “notable global increase” in requests for exorcisms over the past decade.
In Italy alone, Church estimates suggest over half a million annual appeals for help with alleged possession or oppression, ranging from spiritual affliction to psychological distress.
“We are witnessing an unprecedented demand for discernment between spiritual and mental suffering,” said Father Giuseppe Ferrari, secretary of the Society of International Exorcists (AIE).
“Our task is not to sensationalise the demonic, but to respond pastorally and responsibly.”
The course combined liturgical training with psychological and medical instruction, aiming to ensure that priests recognise legitimate spiritual cases and refer others to clinical professionals when necessary.
Curriculum and Modern Developments
The week-long seminar featured lectures on:
- “Signs of Demonic Possession in the Contemporary World”
- “Exorcism and the Law: Canonical and Civil Considerations”
- “Ritual Practice and the Power of Sacred Language”
- “Discernment between Mental Illness and Spiritual Attack”
Notably, this year’s event included a dedicated session on digital manifestations of evil — addressing claims of spiritual interference via technology, social media, and artificial intelligence.
Speakers warned that online occult experimentation, particularly through unverified summoning rituals and “AI channeling apps”, has contributed to an increase in disturbances among young users.
A Tradition Rooted in History
The Vatican’s exorcism training traces its roots to the Rituale Romanum, codified in 1614, though the Church updated the text in 1999.
Exorcists remain appointed directly by bishops, who must ensure candidates possess prudence, holiness, and spiritual maturity.
In Christian mysticism, the rite is viewed as a confrontation between divine authority and infernal rebellion — a microcosm of the eternal struggle depicted in biblical and apocryphal texts.
Historically, exorcism has also inspired countless legends, many of which you can explore within our site’s sections on:
- Demonology – The nature, hierarchy, and origins of demons.
- Exorcism – The history, practice, and modern reports of possession.
- Saints – Including figures such as Saint Cyprian and Saint Benedict, both invoked in ancient rites of banishment.
The Modern Debate
Critics argue that renewed attention to exorcism risks reinforcing superstition, but supporters insist it serves a spiritual and psychological need in a society increasingly cut off from metaphysical frameworks.
“When faith retreats, darkness fills the vacuum,” said Professor Valter Cascioli, a psychiatrist and adviser to the Vatican. “Exorcism is as much about restoring faith as it is about expelling evil.”
The next international course is already scheduled for May 2026, with the theme “Evil, Suffering, and Redemption in a Secular Age.”
Occult and Esoteric Perspective
For students of occult philosophy, the Vatican’s renewed emphasis on exorcism highlights the paradox that both religion and magic seek mastery over the unseen — one through divine authority, the other through esoteric knowledge.
From an esoteric standpoint, the rite of exorcism may be understood as a banishing ritual of immense symbolic power, echoing Hermetic, Kabbalistic, and Theurgic traditions in which words of command restore cosmic order.
